Labour and Employee Relations Specialist

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**:
The Labour & Employee Relations Specialist is responsible for providing proactive and responsive approaches to solving employee and labour relations issues and promoting a positive and productive work environment. Under the direction of the Lead, Labour and Employee Relations, the Labour & Employee Relations Specialist provides coaching, guidance and advice to other People, Equity and Culture co-workers and designated departments on a variety of employee/labour relations and collective agreement interpretation matters. This role will ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, policies and practices and investigate Workplace Harassment and Discrimination complaints. The Labour & Employee Relations Specialist works collaboratively with clients to maximize overall organizational effectiveness.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Acts as primary contact for day-to-day inquiries on labour/employee issues providing advice and guidance on the interpretation and administration of collective agreements and any labour/employee relations matters.
- Participates in labour relations activities as directed. Responds to inquiries appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Investigates complaints of Workplace Harassment and Investigation and prepares reports
- Upholds good communications and cooperative working relationship with labour representatives, fosters positive and proactive labourmeetings, and makes recommendations for improving and increasing communications with Union partners.
- Provides guidance, advice and support on a broad range of LR/ER matters such as dealing with complaints, performance management, discipline, termination, absenteeism, etc. As appropriate, reviews findings and recommendations with the Lead, Labour & Employee Relations.
- Liaises with HR Business Partners, HR Consultants, recruiters, legal, cross-functional staff and external contacts as required (may include local and regional municipalities and government agencies).
- Liaises with local and regional municipalities to discuss and share LR/ER best practices.
- Liaises proactively with Union Representatives to determine if potential grievances can be settled/resolved prior to filing such grievance.
- Prepares letters, reports, memorandums and general LR/ER correspondence as required/directed3
- Maintains and fosters ongoing commitment to continuous improvement for the PEC Branch and the Region.
- Maintains currency of knowledge on LR issues and trends through attendance at various conferences and seminars as approved/directed.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Degree from a recognized university with specialization in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience directly related to labour and employee relations, in complex public or private sector unionized work environments.
- Strong HR generalist background with extensive labour relations experience dealing with grievances, mediations, arbitrations, investigations and contract negotiations.
- Excellent knowledge of employment and labour law in Ontario including Employment Standards Act, Labour Relations Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act andHuman Rights Code
- Knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), Ontario Pay Equity Act and all other related legislation.
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations.
- Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.